Mechanism for operating a closure for an opening



June 3, 1952 'H. l. MORRIS 2,598,709

MECHANISM FOR OPERATING A CLOSURE FOR AN OPENING Filed Jan. 5, 1950 10 Sheets-Sheet l JNVENTOR. HOWARD I. MOR RIS.

BY he /3, mm

ATTORNEY June 3, 1952 H. I. MORRIS MECHANISM FOR OPERATING A CLOSURE FOR AN OPENING l0 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 5', 1950 FIG-9 I 1N VEN TOR.

ATTORNEY June 3, 1952 H. l. MORRIS 2,598,709

MECHANISM FOR OPERATING A CLOSURE FOR AN OPENING Filed Jan. 5, 1950 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. HOWARD I.MOR R I5.

June 3, 1952 H. l. MORRIS 2,598,709

MECHANISM FOR OPERATING A CLOSURE FOR AN OPENING Filed Jan. 5, 1950 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. HOWARD I. MORRIS.

I 4. 0.01am

ATTO P/VE Y.

June 3, 1952 H. 1. MORRIS 2,593,709

MECHANISM FOR OPERATING A CLOSURE FOR AN OPENING Filed Jan. 5, 1950 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 TERMINAL BOX FIG-Z5 SWITCH BOX 56 s 4 wAYsw/m/ 3 WA Y SWflg/f 6 31 L N E INVENTOR. HOWARD I. MORR IS H. I. MORRIS June 3, 1952 MECHANISM FOR OPERATING A CLOSURE FOR AN OPENING Filed Jan. 5, 1950 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 7 INVENTOR. HOWARD I. MORRFS. By 00. 6.61m

ATTOPNE Y.

June 3, 1952 MQRRlS 2,598,709

MECHANISM FOR OPERATING A CLOSURE FOR AN OPENING Filed Jan. 5, 1950 10 Sheps-Sheet '7 FIG-19 I INVENTOR.

HOWARD I.MORR l5.

June 3, 1952 H. 1. MORRIS 2,598,709

MECHANISM FOR OPERATING A CLOSURE FOR AN OPENING Filed Jan. 5, 1950 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTOR. HOWARD LMORBIS.

[mam ATTORNEY H. I. MORRIS June 3, 1952 MECHANISM FOR OPERATING A CLOSURE FOR .AN OPENING Filed Jan. 5, 1950 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 k nw INVENTOR. HOWARD I.MORRI5.

ATTO RNE Y June 3, 1952 MORRIS 2,598,709

MECHANISM FOR OPERATING A CLOSURE FOR AN OPENING Filed Jan. 5, 1950 7 l0 Sheets-Sheet l0 INVENTOR. HOWARD I.MORRIS.

ATTOR/Vf) or doors.

Patented June 3, 1 952 MECI IANISM FOR OPERATING A CLOSURE FOR AN OPENING Howard I. Morris, San Marcos, Calif. Application January 5, 1950, S erial No. 136,940

16 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a mechanism for operating a member which is mounted to move from one position to another position and back to its first position. For the purpose of illustrating one application of the invention, it is illustrated as applied to the operation of a closure for an opening, for example, a closure consisting of one or more members, referred to herein as a door The invention lends itself for application for various types of doors, namely, a vertically slidable door, a vertically slidable door consisting of connected together sections, a single or double horizontally slidable doors or a single or double swingable doors.

The mechanism includes a trolley connected to the door or doors and a flexible member having runs which are driven in one direction to effect movement of the door or doors to open position and in the opposite direction to close the door or doors. The mechanism also includes a flexible member connected to the door or doors, a motor and a combined power transmitting element and drum on which the runs of the flexible member simultaneously wind and unwind to effect movement of the door or doors in either direction. The mechanism also includes a track supported trolley connected to the door or doors, a flexible member, a motor and a drum-like member incorporated between the runs of the flexible member and the motor and drivingly connected to the latter and operating to take up and pay out the respective runs of the flexible member, the memher being automatically moved axially relativeto the motor and flexible member runs in either direction in coordinated relation to its rotative movement, whereby the runs of the flexible member are maintained in position to exert pull in a predetermined plane.

One object of the invention is to provide an improved operating mechanism applicable for connection to various types of slidable and hinge mounted doors. 7

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved mechanism for operating a movable member consisting of a simplified assembly including a motor and driving or operating means, adapted to be readily mounted in position and connected to the member with minimumlabor and expense.

Another object of the invention is to providein a power operated mechanism for moving a member to and from a predetermined position, an improved operating means between the motor and the connection with the member, consisting of a flexible member having runs one of which is connected to the member and a rotatable element between the runs of the flexible member and the motor, drivingly connected to the latter, and arranged to take up and pay out the flexible member, when the element is driven in either direction.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a motor operated mechanism for moving a.

door or doors to open and closed positions, an improved operating means between the motor and theconnection with the door or doors, consisting of a flexible member connected to the door or doors, and an elongated element rotatable about and movable on an axis at right a'nglesto' the motor shaft, the element consisting of a drum on which the runs of the flexible member wind and unwind and having peripheral gear, elements in mesh with complementary gear elements on the motor shaft.

Another object of the invention islto provide in a motor operated mechanism for moving a door or doors to open and closed positions, an improved operating means consisting of circuit control devices for the motor, a flexible member, having a connection with the door or doors and a rotatable member on which the runs of the flexible'member wind and unwind, disposed; at right angles to and driven by the shaft of the motor, the rotatable member being provided axially with a nut engaging a screw, whereby the rotatable member, when driven, moves endwise'to operate said control devices. v

Another object of. the invention is to provide in a motor operated mechanism for moving" a door or doors to open andclosed positions, an improved operating means between the motor and door or doors and having a track supported trolley connected to the door or doors, a flexible member and a power member on which the runs of the flexible member wind and unwind, rotatable on an axis at right angles to the motor shaft and having driving connection with the latter, said power member being mounted to float en'dwise during rotation while maintaining driving connection with the motor shaft to efiect spirally related convolutions of the flexible member on the power member as either run of thefl'exible member winds on the latter. I L

Another object of the invention, is to provide an improved means of simplified construction including a driven drum on which the end portions of a flexible member simultaneously wind and unwind, the direction of rotation of the drum being reversible to effect the operation of. a movable member to and from a predetermined posi tion.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved drive mechanism for the runs of a flexible member having a rotatable dual functional device provided with power transmitting elements in mesh with complementary elements on the motor shaft and peripheral guide elements for the runs of the flexible member'when each run winds on the device. I r

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved motor driven mechanism for the runs of a flexible member consisting of a feed screw, a nut engaging the screw and provided with outer wall .having. helically shapedelementsepmviliing a worm gear .in :mesh with 'a worm on the shaft of the motor, each helical- 1y shaped element being formed with side'by I side transverse recesses related to the recesses 4 means for supporting the various parts (except the. manually operated-switch) V for .operating a doorbr doors. In the..-arrangementzshown, re-

' ferring particularly to Figs. 1 to 25, inclusive, the

means i consist of a casting la and a channel member lb rigidly secured at its inner endto the of adjoining elements, to provide seats-for the. f

convolutions of the flexible. member, the 'driv-f; ing of said nut by the motor serving to iced @the V nut endwise of the screw to maintain the seats in winding and unwinding relation -totha -runs as the latter wind on and ofi of the. annular;

wall. 1

.Other objects of theinvention will be .appare ent to. those skilled in the art to which my' 'in-.

ventiomrelates fromgthe following description taken injconnectionwith the accompanying drawings, wherein Y .j Fig'.'i11is afragmentarysectional view of a house or garag e showing a mechanism embodying my Partsshown inFig. 4, partly in section on the line 6-16 thereni; r .Fig. 7.15 a fragmentary section .on theline l-i o'iiEig. 5,; I a V Fig. BJis asection .on the .line .88 of Figs. .5

7 Fig.4.) .is .a section ..on the .line .9,--.9 .of. Fig. -8; Fig. 10 is a fragmentary-view partly .in section (enlarged) .on theline l.0--l0 ofFigs. .5 and .11;

. fEig..11.is.a sectionon the line .1 l.-l l .of.Fig..10.; .Fig. .12 .is .a fragmentary bottom plan view. of partsshownin Figs. 1, 3 and 13; i Fig. .13. isafragmentary section on the line l3-.-l 3 .0fFig. .14; Figa114-and'15 are sections on .thellines .l.tl l and 15'-.l5,,respectively, of Fig. .13.; a Fig..16.1's anelevational view on theline lfi l6 ofEigJ 13;

Fig. 1.7 .is a planview showing themechanism connected to a horizontally slidable door;

Fig..18 is afragmentary view on the line 18-48 f ig-17.; r lFig. 18a is. a fragmentary ViBWZDf parts shown in Figs. 17 and 18, portions being .broken.,away; Fig; ,19 is a plan viewssimilar to Fig. .17 but showing the mechanism connected to two horizontally slidable doors; 'Fig.'2O is a fragmentary view .on .the .line' 2 9520 of Fig. '19; 1 Fig. '21 is abottom plan view. on theline 2] +21 01' Fig. 22 showing the mechanism .connected'to doors mounted to swing outwardly; Fig.,22 is a side elevation of partsshown 21; i 7 a a Figs.'23 and 2 .4 are views similartoFigs. 21..and 22,;respectively, but wherein the doors swing inwardly; j v

Fig, 25 is a diagram ofthe motor circuit; '"Eig. T26 is .a viewsimilar to .Fig. l but-embodying a modification;

Fig. 27 is-a bottom-plan view of parts .shownin -Fig.'26;.and

riaxza is.. a.section.on theline28-28 ofFig. 271. .In the drawings, l indicates as an entirety in'Fig casting l -a. This arrangement provides for a "unitary assembly of the driving and operating .-.means,rsothatnhipment of the complete mechanism and mountingthereof on the ceiling A. rafters or other :overhead members, within .a buildingzare facilitated.

The casting la is shaped to form a body 2 having oppositely extending wings 2a, 2b, and oppositely extending supporting arms "ZC QdQdiSQQSGd at right angles to the wings :Zu, 2b. jThe inner sides .of' .the 2a, 121;...adjacent their outer ends, are providedwithv brackets is, which terminate'inhollow bosses 2e. Thetbosses "29' accommoilate, suitable belts or. screws '3. tosecure the .casting tofthe ceiling A. The arm "Zdis pro- 7 vided withavertical wall'-having .an extension la .on. its outerside. 'Theextension flatelescopes into .the inner .end of the channel member lb to form .a spacerjbetween'.itsv side walls 5.,so thatlby meansof aplurality-o'f bolts 4a the channel member lb is rigidly secured tofthearmldof the casting l a.. The other armfzc, whichis preferably alined with the.arm.i2d;..provides .aiba'se to which a suitable motor 5 is rigidly secured bysbolts 5d.

The outer end .of the channel .member lb .is .con-.

nected .to the ceiling .A by the .following instrumental-ities (particular referencebe'ing .made .to

Figs. -12, 13., .14, .15 and 16).: TmdiQatesabupshaped membertelescoped within-theouter end of the channel member 41). a .size to closely fit theinner -.of therchannel member H), to prevent .distortion thereof and (to enable .its side Wa1ls=5 to be rigidly secured-t0 the cup-shaped member 1 by suitable devices-such-as bolts :8. The :bottom wall *of the member 1- is provided with -a rim :9, --which' engages the end wall .of the memberwlb, .and aibosszllaon its outer face. A cap screw-d9, 'whic'h' -extends through an opening formedxin "one .end p01ti0n.of:.san angle ll,; is .threadediintoi'an. opening formed .in' the boss 9a and bottom'wallontheimember 1 to rigidly. secure the angle 'l l to'the latter. "The opposite end portion of theangle H is secured to the ceiling A by a bolt or screw l2, and co-operates'with the brackets 2e and screws 3 to mount the unitary extending longitudinally 'ofthe channel member 7 lb, preferablyfrom end to end thereof, for a purpose later-apparent; The walls 5, 5a, "5b, ffOIII'L' a track-Way or guidefor-a trolley l3. The trolley l3 consists of an elongated member, preferably formed of wood/the bottom :wall of the trolley being formed with recesses l3a extending from end'to end thereof, to accommodate the flanges If desired, rollers mounted in the bottom wall of the trolley may beemployed toreduce friction between the .trolleyand wallsof the guide lb. The trolley 'l3-..is.-.connected by .a linkage,

The member] of lib preferably similarly to that shown in my Letters Patent No. 1,954,825,'dated April 17, 1934, for movement endwise of the channels. The trackway I b may be of any desired length dependent upon thelength of movement of the door or doors to and from their openposition. By preference, the trackway lb is of sufficient length to accommodate a trolley employed for operating doors forvarious sizes of openings, but may be of a lesser length, when found desirable, dependent on the travel of the door to be operated. As shown, the trolley I3 is operated endwise of the trackwa'y lb by a flexible member l6, preferably a wire cable or rope, the trolley being anchored to the cable l6, as later set forth, and the latter being operated in one direction to effect movement of trolley I3 in a direction to open the door l5 and in the opposite direction to close the door l5. In employing this form of reciprocating means to open and close the door or doors, the trolley I3 is preferably elongated to insure a large sliding area between it and the walls of the trackway or guide lb to reduce or eliminate danger of vibrations being set up in the cable l6 and affecting the movement of the adjacent door. The cable I6 is reeved around a pulley I! mounted at the outer end of the trackway lb to provide two parallelly related runs lfi-a, llib, disposed adjacent to the trackway or guide lb and extending toward the casting la, the end portions of the cable l6 being arranged to simultaneously wind on and off a rotatable and endwise movable member, indicated as an entirety at l8, the member,

bypreference, being positively moved endwise h during its rotation, as later set forth.

In the arrangement being described, the door opening B is provided with a single door, so that an operating connection is provided between one of the runs of the cable It and the door, but as later set forth, in some installations employing two doors, it may be desirable to connect each run of the cable to one of the doors.

The anchor between one run of the cable I6 (run H517) and the trolley l3 preferably consists of a U-member IS the bottom wall of which is secured to the bottom of the trolley l3 by a pair of bolts I9a. The bolts l9a extend through the trolley, the heads of the bolts engaging a plate l9b seated in a recess I3a formed in the upper side ofthe trolley I3 (see Fig. 13). The end portions of the legs of the U-member l9 are formed with alined openings to receive and support the opposite ends of a pivot I9, to which the adjacent end of the linkage I4 is connected, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. As shown in the Figs. 12 and 14, the runs lfia, Ifib, are disposed at opposite sides of the U-member l9, so that either run may be connected thereto, this connection consisting of a plate one end portion'of which engages the run I6a, whereas its other end portion is bent inwardly and engages the adjacent U-member leg, so that by means of one or more screws 20a extending through openings in the intermediate portion of the plate 20 and threaded into the adjacent U-member leg, the adjacent cable run is secured to the latter.

The linkage I4 preferably consists of a rod I la, provided with a connector l lb at each end, the connector at the inner end of the rod Ma being connected to the pivot l 9' and the connector I lb at the outer end of the'rod being connected to a pin'mounted in a U-member 2I fixed to the upper end door panel or section I5a of the door intermediate its ends, as shown in Fig. 3.

Where the door l5 consists of a series of panels or sections I500, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the trackway lb extends at right angles to the plane of the opening or doorway B and is disposed midway between and parallel to the guides for the door panels, as shown in Fig. 3. The pulley H is mounted on a shaft Ila supported on a bracket llb which is suitably fixed to the plate 9 adjacent its lower end. The shaft" Ila preferably consists of a bolt extending through an elongated opening l'lb' formed in the bracket I117. The outer portion of the bolt shank is reduced to form a shoulder arranged to engage the bottomwall of the bracket when the nut H0 is tightened in position. As shown, the opening ND is elongated along an axis co-incident with the axis of the trackway or guide lb, so that by loosening the nut He, the bolt He can be adjusted to take up slack in the cable runs I'Ga, l6b. By preference, I provide a plate 22 movably supported between the hub of the pulley l1 and bracket llb, the plate being formed with an opening through which the bolt IIa extends. The plate 22 extends outwardly beyond the bracket llb and is bent upwardly to form a flange 22a, which mounts a screw 23. As shown in Fig. 13, the screw '23 may be operated to engage the outer end of the bracket IIb, so that if the nut He is loosened and the screw 23 is turned to apply pressure on the bracket I'Ib, the flange 22a will operate as a nut and operate through the plate 22 to adjust the bolt IIa outwardly, whereby the cable run I6a, l6b will be tensioned between the pulley I1 and the member I8.

The member I8 is mounted on a shaft 24 extending at right angles to and laterally to either side of the 'trackway: The opposite ends of the shaft 24 are mounted in suitable bearings 2w provided on the end walls 2x for the wings 2a, 2b (one bearing only being shown in Fig. 10), whereby the shaft may be oscillated an angular distance for a purpose later set forth.

In the form of construction shown, the shaft 24 is provided between the end walls 2:1: with screw threads 25a and the inner wall of the hub Isa of the member I8 is provided with screw threads, as shown in Fig. 6, the hub serving'as a nut, so that when the member I8 is rotated it is positively moved endwise for purposes later set forth. The annular wall l8b of the member I8 is elongated axially and its outer surface is provided oircumferentially with power transmitting elements I80 extending from end to end of the wall l8b (see Fig. 5). The power transmitting elements are preferably of helical form, thereby constituting a worm gear. As shown in Figs. 5 and 7, the power transmitting elements l8c have meshing relation with a worm 25 fixed to the shaft 25a of the motor 6. Also, as shown in Figs. 5 and 7, the face or land of each of the power transmitting elements I80 throughout its length is provided with a plurality of recesses lBd, preferably of curvilinear shape in cross sectio'n'corresponding to the diameter of the cable or rope l6. As shown in Fig. 5, the axes of the recesses I801 in each element I80 are disposed at an angle to' an imaginary plane extending at an angle to the axis of the member It, so that the respective recesses ltd in each element I80 form with correspondin recesses Illd, in adjoining elements I 80, throughout the circumference of the wall I 8b, a series of helically disposed seats, for the wire rope runs, as either thereof winds on the member I8 during rotation of the latter in either direction. The pitch of the helically related seats IBd corresponds to the hand and pitch of the I am threads-Mann the shaft.25,soithat.in each revolution of the member l8, itis moved: endwise, according to theudirection of its rotation, one pitch. Asv aresultv of 1 this endwise movement, when the member ,i'S. isbeing. rotated, one runof the flexible, member itiswinding on the .member 18-aandthe other fun thereof is unwinding .from theimember l8, but as the latter simultaneously 1110?.85 i'BIldWiSB at a right-angle to the :runs in coeordinatedtrelationtoits rate of angular, or. rotativemovement, 'the'runsremain in parallel relation tothe tra-ckway' and move rectilineally to ai/oidzside or lateral-pollen the trolley during movementthereoi endwise of the-tra'ckwayib in either direction. 7

The reasonforthe threaded shaft and the helical groove, also the necessity of them beingthe same'pitch andhand, islt'his; if themember l8 did-notztravel"endwise while the cable-was winding-on and off the member, the cable runs would travel sidewise; but because th member liltravels sidewise as :fast :as-the number of the convolutions'of thecable runs: increaseand decrease sidewiseiand in the opposite direction, the cable runs remainz-in fixed positions relative to the trackwayatall times, regardless of which way the member maybe 1 rotated. This fixed-position .of theqca'bler runs relative to the trackway is necessaryiinjorder that the cable runs, which travel along the-bottom side. of the trackway: may alwaysrbe-in alignmentavlth the latter, as the functionnofpthe-cable-551150 pull the trolley along the track and-itris not desirable that the cable should pull sidewise on the trolley, as this would set up excessive friction.

'fihis "form of; drive mechanism between the motor r'shaftandzthe cable runs is advantageous since the worm '25 .xin'rotating the member 58 in either: direction .d'oes not make contact with any point: orspot on the power transmitting elements or helical teeth ite of the member 18 butonce. Thus the wear on the teeth 180 is reduced to a minimum, because the wear is distributed. over a large amount of surfacathe same as though the :gear were large in diameter and had a large v munber'oftee'th;

In'the mechanism heretofore built and operated by-rne, the member 18 is provided with 21 teeth 18c and -makes'18revolutions in each complete'operation ingeither direction, the equivalent of a gear hav-ing 378 teeth; or in otherwordsthe member [8 'herein will have a life 1.8 times longer width of a: convolution of each run, so that-while -t-henumber of "convolutionsof one run are in- .creasingon oneend portion of the'member-l-li, an

.eguals-numberof 'convolutionsof the other run is;. decreasing on the other end portion :of the member, the result being that the width of the.

spacebetween the run convolutions remains-the .same;and:theworm 25 hascontinuous driving relation with 'the'teeth' I in-this space. 1

shown in Fig. 4, the run 16a of therope lileadstozandfrom theilower side of the mem threaded member. endwise 'adjustably mountedin ber L l8,."whereas the iotherrrun l 6b leads :to and fromitheupper portionfoftthe member l8. .To support the run 16b. below and-in operativeirelation .to the tracliway lb, .1 providev a pulley 26in alinement withthe run Nib, the'rshaftlfimfor the-pulley being ,mountecliin .a bos 21 integrally connected .to the arm 201 between theimember iBzand the inner end ofthe the trackwaylb.

Suitable limit mechanism may be:pr0vided for stopping the .motor 6 when the door approaches or reaches its open position' audits closed-position, suchmechanism preferably being constructed -to reverse the direction ofrotation of:the motonso that-a. simplified switch for'the motor cireuitmay .be- 'enrployed. Onerform of limit mechanism is shownin Figs. 6,10, l1.-and 25.

.In-this form of construction the shaft 2a. is arranged'to oscillate and also -moue='-endwisein thei-bearingsla: ioria purpose later-set forth. Re-

ferring-to these views, the shaft z lisextended beyond-itsbearing 2x on-the end-wall-Zx' forrthe win-gib, for a purpose lateivapparent. Mindicatesans -arm having a hub suitably keyedzto the shaft linwardly of the-end wall 2.16 for the wing 21). 29 indicates a separate armsomewhat longer than the arm 23-.and havin a hub-29a freetoro-tate on-theshaftl i. =As-shown in'l ig 10, the arm 2-9 is-mountednbetween--the arm.28 and the adjacent end wall is -and. its hub..29.a is suitably .connectedgto theinner end zofaa sleeve 30 extending outwardly and surrounding the shaft between it-and the adjacentbea-ringlm to operate a switch .mechanismindicated as-an entirety at -3l. The outer end oii-the shaftifi has fixed to it .adisk 24b engagedhy theouter-end of the sleeve. 80; as the sleet/e30.and.the.hub...29o of the arm-29 have a .com-binedlength equalto the space .between the hubof the arm 28 and disk .24b, i-t will'be observed -tliat .the shaft r24 outer end is'engaged by a screw 33 (engaging I an inner threaded portion of the openingiiZ-b), whereby the tension of the spring maybe adjusted to increase or decrease the'pressureon the ball 32. The screw 33 is locked by .an outer screwsiia threadedinto the'outerkportion-of the opening-32b. The shaft 24 is oscillated in'the manner-later set forth. The movement of the arm 2-9 is limited in either. direction by lugs '20 (Figs. '6 and 10) spaced approximately 45 de grees and-formed integrally on theinner walloi thewin 2b and yieldably locked :in'each positionby spring operated latchmea11s,-shown in Figsyii and 9. The latch means-consist of the following: 34 indicates inwardly-extending.latch elements mouhted-onthe wing 2b betwe'en the limiting lugs 20' and in alignment with *the path of movementof the off-set F2951! onthe arm Each element '36 preferably'consis-ts of a a screw threaded opening formed in the wing 2b, the axis of the opening being dis-posed radially ofthe shaft 24. Theinner end of each element 34 is arranged-to be engaged by aspring operated ball 34a mountedlin a recess formed in the end of the 'iarm 29, whereby the arm.29 .is yieldably hubs of the arms 28, 29.

9. locked in either position by the adjacent element 34; the ball 34 being arranged to yield against the tension of its operating spring, when pressure or tension exerted on the arm in a direction to move it to its other position is sufficient to overcome that applied to the ball 34a, so that the arm 29 may be moved to its other position and yieldably locked by the other latch element 34. As will be observed, when the arm 29 is'moved from either position to the other position the ball 34a rides the adjacent element 34 so as to engage its outer side. 7 r

The arms 28, 29, are connected together by a spring 35 having intermediate its end portions 35a, 35a, loops 351) which surround'one or both The terminating end portions 35a, 35a of the loops extend outwardly and are bent laterally in opposite directions, one relative to the other, so as to respectively engage the opposite outer sides of off-sets 28x, 29:0, provided on the opposed faces of the arms 28, 29, respectively, adjacent their outer ends. Thus, the arms 28, 29, are connected together in side by side relation, but when the arm 28 is operated in either direction, due to the rotative movement of the shaft, the end portion 35a of the spring 35 moves with the arm and establishes a tension on the other end portion 35a' and when the tension between the spring arms 35a, 35a, is sufficient to overcome that on the ball 3411, the arm 29 is released from the adjacent element 34 and moves to its other position with a snap action. 1

The means for oscillating the shaft 24 to effect movement of the arm 28 in either direction consist of the following: 35, 35a, indicate collars adjustably fixed to the shaft 24 inwardly of the arm 28 and the end wall 2x for the wing 2a. The collars 36, 36a, are preferably internally threaded and mesh with the screw threads 2411, so that rotation of each collar will effect its adjustment longitudinally of the shaft 24. However, the inner diameter of each collar 36,36a, may .be of a size to slidably fit the screw threads'24 a to permit its adjustment longitudinally of the shaft 24. Each collar 36, 36a, is preferably of the split type and clamped to'the screw threads by a bolt 36b. The inner faces of the collars are provided with shoulders 36c, 360, respectively. As the collars 36, 38a, are independently adjustable longitudinally and rotatively of the shaft 24, the shoulder shaft 24 in, one direction, itrotates the latter in one direction and when the member 18 reaches the end of its endwise movement in the other direction it rotates the shaft 24 in the opposite direction and (b) such rotation of the shaft in either direction serves to operate the arms 28, 29, as already set forth.

The switch mechanism 3| consists of the following: 3la indicates a disk formed of fiber the marginal portion of which is formed with substantially uniformly spaced recesses 311), the latter forming lands 31c therebetween disposed in a plane between sets of electrical contacts. The disk 31a is formed axially with a non-circular opening the wall of which slidably fits a complementary shaped portion on the outer end of the sleeve 30, whereby the disk rotates with the latter when the arm 29 is operated in either direction as already set forth. When the disk 3 la is in either rotated position, the opposite sides of the lands 310 are disposed between the contacts of one circuit, so that the disk is held against movement with the sleeve 30 and shaft 24when the latter is moved endwise, as later set forth.

The switch mechanism serves'to close-thecircuit to the motor to rotate themotor shaft-25a,- the rotative movement of the disk 3m with the sleeve serving to open the motor circuit and reverse its connections to the motor at-the end of the movement of the door in eitherdirection;

The circuit 3 Ir for the motor 6 is shown as providedwith a-three-way switch 31c and a fouron each collar may be set to stop the motor at a predetermined position of the door. As shown in Fig. 6, each end of the nut la is provided with a tooth I81 arranged to. engage the adjacent shoulder (36c or 360') when the member I8 moves endwise, as already set forth, and effect rotative movement of the shaft 24, whereby the arms 28, 29, are operated as above described and the latter arm, through the sleeve 30 operates-the switch mechanism 3| to stop the motor 6 and reverse the circuit connections therefor, so that upon closing of the circuit to operate the door in the opposite direction, the direction of rotation and endwise movement of the member I8 will be reversed. Y

As will be observed, the collars 36, 36a, are spacedly fixed to the shaft 24 so that the shoulder on one collar is engaged by the tooth lBac on the adjacent end of the nut 18a when the door moves to its open position and the shoulder on the other collar is engaged by the tooth 182: on the adjacent end of the nut [811 when the door moves to its closed position. Accordingly, (a) when the member l8 reaches the end of its travel endwise of the way switch 3Ie so that the circuit may be closed at more than one control station. The switch mechanism (see Figs; 10 and 11-) is provided'w-ith pairs of contacts, each pair being connected to a lead, as shown in Fig. 10, butto facilitate'the illustration only one contact of each pair is shown. When the disk 3! is moved to oneposition the-contacts of certain pairs are disengaged and-the contacts of theother pairs are in engagement, whereas in the other position of the disk 3| the contacts of the other pairs are engaged and the contacts of the first pairs are disengaged, the movement of the disk in either direction serving'to open the motor circuit and reverse the connections thereof to the motor 6, so that in asucceeding operation of the switch the direction of rotationofthemotor shaft isreversed;

The motor circuit 3 Ir may be traced as followsi starting with lead -3Ia, from source ofcurrent, and supposing the three-way and the four-way switches-to be in the position indicated by the dotted-lines,-the current passes from the terminal S to terminal-S through the three-way switch to lead 3lb and then to terminal S of the four way switch. From terminal S to terminal-S through the'four-way switch to lead 3lc, thence along lead 3lc to terminal C of the motor switch 3|. The motor switch 3l' is provided with terminals M 0? and C? constituting a mechanical operated three-way switch which in co-operation with--the-manually operated switches above referred to, controlsthe'starting and. stopping of the motor.- The manually operated switches startto lead 3ld. Lead 3ld divides} one part is con-- nected to terminal W at one end of the running winding of motor 6, whereas another part of lead 3ld is connected to terminal -M on the motorswitch and a'third part is connected to terminal When one of the control switches is again operated, the motor is actuated in the opposite direction, or in the direction to close the door. There being a certain smount of torsional tension still remaining'in the torsional spring 35, between the arms 28, 29, the shaft will rotate a small amount in reverse, with the member I8, but will stop when the torsional spring reaches its neutral position and thereafter the shaft will remain stationary while the member l8 continues to rotate. No action takes place in the motor switch until the member I 8 has progressed along the shaft far enough for its other tooth I83: to engage the shoulder on the other collar. When the member l8, engages the latter shoulder, it rotates the shaft 24 in the reverse direction, causing tension to be set up in the torsional spring in the reverse direction, and this in turn causes the arm 29 to snap to the opposite side and operate the switch to cut oil the current to the motor and reverses the circuit. connections for the next operation.

, It will be observed that when the tooth 18;: on either end of the hub or nut Illa engages the shoulder. on the adjacent collar to rotate the shaft 24, theresulting rotative movement of the latter gradually builds up tension between the end portions 35a, 35a, of the spring 35 due to movement of the arm 28 with the shaft 24 relative to the arm 29, until the latter is released. and snaps to its other position. However, this tension in the spring 35 acts as a brake on the motor shaft and tendsto stop its rotation after the current to the motor is cut off.

. Figs. 17, 17a and 18 show a modified arrangement wherein the closure for the opening B consists of a horizontally slidable door suitably connected to a plurality of supports C each mounted on rollers c which traverse an overhead track I) fixed to the wall above the opening B. Theoperating mechanism for the door is so mounted on the wall adjacent to the opening B that the trackway lb is disposed on the outer side of the track D and parallel thereto. One of the runs 16a, lGb, oi the flexible member is connected to the trolley and also connected through the linkage I4 to the door, so as to slide it endwise.

Figs. 19 and 20 show an arrangement similar to that in Figs. 1'7 and 18, except that two slidable doors are provided for the opening B and each runlfia, ISD, is connected through a linkage M to one of the doors. As shown, the two doors are in engagement to close the opening B and when the mechanism is operated to drive the flexible member the doors simultaneously move outwardly as shown in dotted lines and are simultaneously moved toward each other to close the opening.

Figs. 21 and 22 show another modified arrangement wherein the closure for the opening 13 consists of two doors mounted on hinges the axes of which are disposed vertically and the doorsswing outwardly. In this arrangement the trackway lb extends at right angles to the opening B and the trolley I3 is connected through a yoke 31 to the inner ends of separate linkages 31a, one run of the flexible member being connected to the trolley.

Figs. 23 and 24 show another arrangement wherein the closure for the opening B consists of two doors mounted on hinges the axes of which are disposed vertically and the doors swing inwardly. Also, in this arrangement the mechanism is mounted parallel to the opening B and the supports for the mechanism mount the latter on the front wall E at opposite sides of the opening 3. As shown, in this arrangement the axis of the 14 shaft24 is disposed vertically and the runs [6a, [5b, of the flexible member l5 are disposed one above the other, so that one linkage i4 is connected to therun [6a and the door 151 remote from the member I8, whereas a separate linkage 1,4 is disposed in a plane below the other linkage and connected to the run lfib andthe adjacent door,l5.1:'.

In the event the door or either door, where two doors. are employed is stopped due to anobstruction in itspath of movement, such stoppage is effective to stop rotation of the member l8... As the worm shaft driven by the motor is disposed at degrees. to the shaft 24, stoppage. of the member l8 willcause the torque of the motor shaft to exert an increased end thrust on the, member l8 and the latter in turn will effect an endwise movement on the shaft .24 and operate the switch to open the motor circuit 3 la: and thus stop the motor and prevent. damage to themeche anism or the body forming the obstruction.

Figs. 26, 2'7 and 28, show a modificationof the driving mechanism and automatic circuit controlling switch. In this form of construction, 60 indicates the motor having a shaft 60a. which drives the shaft 6| carryingthe worm fila mesh, ing with the power transmittingelementson the member I82, which is mounted and operatessimilar to the member 18 as alreadyset forth to oper-.- ate the flexible member lBzc. The adjacent ends of the shafts 60a, 6|, are provided with disks 62, 6201., respectively, one or both of which are pro,- vided with suitable friction material, and one of the disks (preferably the disk 62) .isbiased by, an expansion spring 63 toward the other disk. The spring biased disk 62 is keyed to but slidably engages the shaft 60a. As shown, the spring 63 is interposed between the hub of the disk 62 and the boss 60b on the motor casing. The purpose of the slip clutch is to permit the motor shaft 60a to continue running in the event the operated member, that is, the door in the present disclosure, meets with an obstruction when it is being moved in either direction and thus stops the movementof the flexible member I611, which in turn stops the member I82. Such stoppage operation serves to. prevent damage to the doors and/ or any of the parts of the mechanism. However, where themotor 60 is provided with an automatic cut-off (such as a thermostatically operated switch) operable when the motor becomes heated, it will be observed that when a stoppage of the character above referred to occurs, the motor will run for a limited period and then stop due to the cut-off controlled by the rise of temperature of the motor. Motors constructed to operate in this manner are of standard construction so that illustration thereof is not deemed necessary.

As already pointed out the shaft 24:12, which is mounted similar to shaft 24, is rotated when either tooth Illa: on the hub of the member I82 engages the shoulder 350 or 360 on the adjacent collar, whereby the switch mechanism. 3| is operated. As shown in Fig. 27, the shaft 24:1: is-provided with an arm 54 provided at its outer end with a connector 64a preferably consisting of laterally extending resilient elements 640. each arranged to engage one of the spaced stops 65, 65a, suitably mounted in the wall of the adjacent wing. Each of the elements 64a is shaped to ride the adjacent stop to effect a yieldable locking relation therewith, so that when the arm 64 is moved in either direction it is locked to the adjacent stop and maintains the shaft 24a: and disk 3Icof the switch mechanism 3 l in operated'posij: lslfn' mechanismoi: the V combination with supporting means, of armotor on-said supporting'meansa shaft supported at its anaemia 3 tion until the shaitimkm iarotatedaor oscillated? in i the opposite direction andnbuilds. up suflicient @tensionin the elementf-torrelease it-from the-ade; JacentJstop. Thesstopslfid 65a; are. disposedzin thazpathzofi movementlofs. the arm. 54. in either directiontmlimit the. movement of the shaft-124m.

. As showni inFigs. .4 and 26, .a-' cable carries the leads for'the motor circuit and switchcontact's.

Tor those skilled. in the art totwhichnw inven- 1 tionrrelates manychangesmconstruction: and 1 wiidely-l differing embodiments and'applicationsof f the invention willzsuggestthemselves zwithoutrdee i partmg fromthe'spirit andiscopeof. the invention. 'My: disclosures and the description herein are. purely illustrative andtare not intended to be in any sense limiting: l

' WhattI claim is:

class described.v the opposite ends on, said supporting means; the Bin-1 termediate portion of said shaitbeingprovided with screw threads, a drum-having a hollow-hub the. inner "wall a. of which is provided with screw threads engaging the :threadson saidshaftiand the-exteriorsurface. ofsaid drum .beingiprovi'de'd with worm teeth formed with seats, correspond-. f ing seats in adjacent teeth being in spiral relation, a guldezdisposeduat.right angles'to said drum, a

pulley on said guide remote-from said I drum; a. flexible'member reeved aroundsaid-:pull'eyand providing :runs extending therefrom parallel its said :"g-uid'e, the oppositeend portiens of said flexiblexmember engaging'saidiseats in reversely woundrelationto simultaneously wind on and unwindfron'r said. drum during rotation of the Iatt'enpa device fixed to one run of said flexible member "and: slidably engaging said guide. for

. movementzendwise thereof in. oppositedirections and-"adaptedto be connected to a movable member for operating it to and from a predetermined 'j position, and aiwormontheashaftofi saidmotor'in I meshzwith theworm'teeth on saidd-rum for rotate ing the latter, whereby said shaftmovesisaid drum endwiseto maintain the run of the flexible memberconnected tothe adjacent end of: said. device.- in alinement '.therewith during movement of-Zthe latteralong said guide.

2; .Amechanism asclaimed in claim .1 wherein said gearing, consists of. a gear driven by, said 1 motor and helical teeth. on the outer wallof "said drumrinjmesh with said gear, the land of each l toothbeing recessed from end to en d" thereof, 3 correspo d n r c s e w en; ac land an a joinin lands e n in n an. im in ry h li thr ughout th i um ere of: h d u 3;: I e an f mo ins a. m mbe d from a selected position theecombination with a support, of an electric motor mounted thereon,

electric: current supply leads for said motor adaptedto beconnected with a source of current supply-,a switch mechanism interposed in said leads, a flexible member, a device fixed towsaid flexible member and operatively connected to the 1 movablemember, and-power mechanism for operatingsaid flexible member consisting ofa shaft 'disposedat right angles tothe shaft of said motor, 5 awormdrivingly connectedwith the shaftiof said motor, an elongated annular member mounted to '1 rotateand move axially on saidfirstmentioned shait, the outer wall of said annular member bethe circumference'of said'dr-um, to;f;orm seatsfor 3 ing provided with gear teeth extending helically,

substantially from end'to end thereof in meshing 1 relation'withsaid worm, the end portions of said 3 flexible memberlea inafmm oppos t end o said device being arranged to simultaneously wind on and ofiat'he: land's of said hehcaLteeth, during pulley; awormion theshaftof. saidmotonia Sen, 7

arate shaft mounted on saidssupporting means disposediat substantiallyright angles-:toithemotor shaft, a drumrotatableand.endwisemovabli Lsupported on saidseparate shaft, anda flexible member reeved around. said pulley,'.thev end-.por-

tions of rsaidmember beingwound on-saiddrum and arranged-to simultaneously. wind-on :and. off

said drum during rotation thereof; said. drum be-.

ing provided with. helical; teeth in meshwithisaid worm, whereby the :latter drives-said in either direction. I 1

7.. A mechanism; for: reciprocating" a; movable member, comprising; in combination-,ia motor; a. pulley, means for supporting; saidzmotorr and pulley, a power element driven hyi-saidmotonaa separate shaft mounted-at its oppositeiends on said supporting means. and provided; throughout its length with screw. threads',-': a'drum having. a-

hub'theinner wallof which is provided withiscrew. threads: engaging. the screw threadsaon said S613. arateshaft, and afiexible member'reeved around said pulley, the opposite 'end': portions of "said flexibleimember being wound-on saiddrum and arrangedto simultaneouslywind' on and 011- said drum during rotation thereof; .therou'ter-wall ofsaid drum beingprovided throughout itscircum-s ference with gear'teeth extendingasubstantially from end to end thereof in mesh with said'power element whereby said drum, when driven, move 7 endwise'of said separate shaft. r

8.. A mechanism as claimed in claim 7 wherein each tooth onsaid drum is formed with sub,-

stantially transverse recesses, the recesses in each of said teeth being related to corresponding re-x cesses, respectively, in adjoiningteeth' throughout said flexible member disposed, alongan imaginary helix from end to end of said drumhaving-apitch corresponding tothat of; the screw threadson said separate shaft.

9. A mechanism forreciprocatipg. a movable. member, comprising, in combinations motor, a switch controlled electric-circuit for themotor, a pulley, means for supportingsaid motorand pulley, a shaft mounted in bearings at its opposite endson said supporting-means and provided throughout its length between its bearings with screw threads, stops adjustably fixed in pre -deten.

mined positions on said separate shaftjinwardly' of its bearings, a drum having ahub theinner wall of which is provided with screw threads engaging the screw threads on said separate shaft, a flexible member reeved around said pulley, the opposite end portions of said flexible member'being wound on the end portionsof saiddrum and arranged to simultaneously wind on and ofi said during M 03 here f! h j 55 well said drum being provided thro'ughoutitscircum'-' ference with gear teeth extending substantially from end to end thereof having driving connection with the motor shaft, whereby said drum, when driven, moves endwise of said separate shaft, devices on the opposite ends of the drum hub, each arranged to engage one of said stops when the drum moves endwise in either direction and rotate said separate shaft, and a separate switch mechanism controlled by the rotation of said separate shaft for stopping said motor.

10. A mechanism for reciprocating a movable member, comprising, in combination, a motor, a pulley, means for supporting said motor and pulley, a separate shaft mounted at its opposite ends on said supporting means and provided throughout its length with screw threads, a drum having a hub the inner wall of which is provided with screw threads engaging the screw threads on said separate shaft, a flexible member reeved around said pulley, the opposite end portions of said flexible member being wound on the opposite end portions of said drum and arranged to simultaneously wind on and off said drum during rotation thereof, the outer wall of said drum being provided throughout its circumference with gear teeth extending substantially from end to end thereof, and a gear driven by said motor shaft and having meshing relation with the teeth on said drum between the windings of said flexible member on the latter to rotate said drum, the rotation of the drum serving to move it endwise on said separate shaft, in relation to the increase and decrease of the windings on said drum, whereby said gear maintains meshing relation with the teeth on the drum as the latter moves endwise in either direction.

11. A mechanism as claimed in claim 3 wherein said first mentioned shaft is rotatably supported, and includes operating connections between said switch mechanism and said first mentioned shaft controlled by the rotation of the latter, to stop said motor, limiting stops on said first mentioned shaft in the path of said annular member, the engagement of said annular member with either of said stops serving to rotate the first mentioned shaft.

12. A mechanism as claimed in claim 11 wherein said operating connections include a pair of relatively movable spring connected elements, one of which is fixed to said first mentioned shaft and tensions said spring when the latter is rotated, the tension of said spring serving to cushion the impact of said annular member against each of said stops.

13. A mechanism for moving a member to and from predetermined positions, having, in combination, a support, a motor, an elongated guide disposed in endwise relation to the shaft of said motor, a slide movable longitudinally of said guide, a linkage between said slide and the movable member, a pulley mounted on said guide remote from said motor, a separate shaft disposed at right angles to and extending to either side of said motor shaft and mounted, at its opposite ends on said support, a member rotatably and slidably mounted on said separate shaft, a flexible member engaging said pulley intermediate its ends to provide runs extending therefrom parallel to said guide, the opposite end portions of said runs being reversely wound on said rotatable member and arranged to simultaneously wind on and off the latter when said member is rotated, means between said rotatable member and said separate shaft for moving said rotatable member endwise in either direction during its rotation, and a gear fixed to the shaft of said motor and meshing with gear elements on the outer surface of said rotatable member for rotating the latter.

14. A mechanism as claimed in claim 13 wherein each of the gear elements on said rotatable member is formed with seats for the flexible member, the seats in each element and correspondingly related seats in adjoining elements being disposed in an imaginary helix circumferentially of said rotatable member.

15. A mechanism as claimed in claim 7 wherein the motor shaft consists of inner and outer sections the adjoining ends of which are provided with disks, one disk being keyed to and slidable on the adjacent shaft section and one of said disks being provided on its face with friction material, and a spring coiled around the shaft section carrying the slidable disk and engaging the latter to bias it toward the other disk.

16. In mechanism for moving a member to and from selected positions, the combination with a support, of an elongated guide thereon, a device slidably mounted on said guide and adapted to be operatively connected to the member for moving it, a support disposed adjacent one end of said guide, a shaft provided with screw threads mounted on said support, a drum formed with an axial opening through which said shaft extends and provided with screw threads engaging the threads on said shaft, a reeving element mounted adjacent the opposite end of said guide, a flexible member reeved around said element to provide runs leading therefrom the end portions of which simultaneously wind on and off of said drum when the latter is rotated, one of said runs being connected to said device for moving it in either direction, and power mechanism for rotating said drum, the outer wall of said drum substantially from end to end thereof being formed with seats for the runs of said flexible member disposed in helical relation and having a pitch coinciding with the pitch of the threads on said shaft and provided with gear teeth complementary to the teeth of the driven element of said power mechanism.

HOWARD I. MORRIS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 150,612 Reedy May 5, 1874 238,762 Clayton Mar. 15, 1881 652,893 Herdman July 3, 1900 900,477 Brown Oct. 6, 1908 1,110,248 Atwood Sept. 8, 1914 1,260,561 Lovejoy Mar. 26, 1918 1,289,211 Lovejoy Dec. 31, 1918 1,661,719 Edwards et al Mar. 6, 1928 2,378,262 Vallen June 12, 1945 

